DHARMAPURI: More than 50 tribal families in Manjakudumbu village near Hogenakkal have urged the Dharmapuri district administration to stop dumping and burning waste near their houses, alleging that smoke and odour are causing them breathing difficulties and sleeplessness.The villagers said plastic and other waste collected from Hogenakkal were dumped and burnt close to their settlement. Residents said thick smoke engulfed the area whenever the waste was burnt, causing them breathing difficulties.“Children are frequently falling ill and being taken to the nearby govt primary health centre for treatment,” said M Gomathi, a resident.The village has more than 100 residents, including women and children.Many families were allotted housing sites by the forest department, but several continue to live in thatched huts. Residents fear sparks from the burning waste could set the huts on fire.They alleged that drinking water supplies were inadequate and that the water was often greenish and foul-smelling.Social activist K Jeevanandan called for immediate govt intervention, proper waste management, clean drinking water and basic amenities. Villagers warned that they might be forced to return to forest areas inhabited by their ancestors if the situation continued.
